THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, September 25, 1995 TAG: 9509250064
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
George W. Johnson, the longtime president of George Mason University in Fairfax, has announced that he will retire in June.
Johnson, who was appointed president in 1978, said: ``I saw an opportunity to build an institution worthy of the people of this region, based on the strengths of this region. . . . I feel I've largely achieved my agenda, both at George Mason and in higher education statewide. Now it's time for the leadership of George Mason to move to a new phase.''
The university's board was told of Johnson's decision last week.
Since Johnson arrived at Mason, enrollment more than doubled, from 9,600 to 23,000, and the university began doctoral programs and opened a law school. He has also been lauded by state officials for helping promote economic development in Northern Virginia and the use of technology on campus.
Attorney John T. Hazel Jr., who was the rector of Mason's board when Johnson was appointed, said: ``The most significant thing I've ever done for Northern Virginia is to participate in the recruitment of George Johnson. . . a plan that has built both the university and Northern Virginia.''
KEYWORDS: RETIREMENT by CNB